Street Parking Limits: San Jose vs Santa Clara
How do street parking limits rules compare between San Jose, CA and Santa Clara, CA?
San Jose and Santa Clara have similar restriction levels.
San Jose, CA
Santa Clara County
San Jose Municipal Code Chapter 11.36 governs on-street parking. Residential streets are swept once per month on a posted day; high-traffic and downtown streets are swept 2–4 times per month between 2:00 AM and 11:00 AM. Vehicles parked in posted no-parking zones during sweeping receive a citation, and tow-zone violators are towed.
View full San Jose rules →Santa Clara, CA
Santa Clara County
Santa Clara limits continuous street parking to 72 hours under CVC 22651(k), posts time zones near downtown, and operates residential permit districts near SCU and Levi's Stadium.
View full Santa Clara rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | San Jose | Santa Clara |
|---|---|---|
| Code Reference | SJMC 11.36.190 and 11.36.430 | - |
| Residential Sweep | 1× per month, fixed day | - |
| Commercial Sweep | 2–4× per month, 2 AM – 11 AM | - |
| Enforcement | SJ DOT Parking Compliance | - |
| Temp Sign Notice | 72 hours (CVC §22651(n)) | - |
| Time Limit | - | 72 hours continuous parking maximum per CVC 22651(k) |
| Permit Zones | - | Near SCU campus and Levi's Stadium neighborhoods |
| Sweeping | - | Weekly posted routes, citation for non-compliance |
| Hydrant Distance | - | 15 feet clearance required per CVC 22514 |
| Contact | - | Police Parking Unit (408) 615-4831 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
San Jose FAQ
When is street sweeping in my San Jose neighborhood?
Most residential streets are swept once per month on a fixed day. Enter your address at the City of San José Collection Day Look-Up page (linked from the Street Sweeping page) to find the exact day and time window for your block.
What happens if I park during San Jose street sweeping hours?
Vehicles parked in posted no-parking zones during sweep hours are cited under SJMC 11.36.190. Tow-away zones (red signs) authorize impound under SJMC 11.36.430. Fines are set annually by City Council.
How much notice does San Jose give for new no-parking signs?
Permanent street-sweep signs are posted indefinitely once approved by Council. Temporary no-parking signs (for paving or special events) must be posted at least 72 hours in advance per California Vehicle Code §22651(n), or the tow is invalid.
Santa Clara FAQ
Can I leave my car on the street while on vacation?
No, California law prohibits parking the same vehicle in one spot over 72 hours, even in residential areas.
How do I get a residential parking permit?
Apply online through the Santa Clara Police Parking Unit if you live in an established permit district.
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